[Query] Home Interior - What to do and what not do?
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So, I'm getting a few things done right now, like wardrobes in both the rooms (2 BHK). If possible, will also get the kitchen done which would be a lot of task.
I'm a complete noob in this. Enquired carpenters, talked to people, ply, laminate, acrylic etc ... these are all mere terms for me. Carpenter has quoted Rs. 350 / sq. ft. as labour cost and rest will all be on material. I calculated the area and approx. 80 sq. ft. is the area of wardrobe and another one will be slightly less but for now, let's keep it same.
Carpenter quoted Rs. 1.2 - 1.3 lakhs per wardrobe. For me, I'm actually unable to imagine how that much amount will be incurred.
Anyway, those who've idea in this area, can you please suggest me things like what to do and what not to do. Links on YouTube will help as well. This is kind of urgent, so, quick replies would be really helpful.
Which type of material to go for?
Wardrobe should be sliding or non-sliding?
What should be avoided at all cost?
I don't have many questions from my end as I have ZERO idea at the moment, that's why looking for fellow dimers to share their learnings and experiences.
P.S. Location is Mahalunge, Pune. So, any specific shop or area will help as well. I know there's a big market in Swargate.
TIA.
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Because acrylic is just another type of plastic only.
I think what others are trying to impress upon, especially since you drummed up that you are allegedly naive in theze things, is that it is better to go with a known evil, rather than the unknown evil.
No doubt businesses too fumble or even mess up. But what others are iterating is that the finish, workmanship from a one man army/helper versus proper workshop/factory to get parts made.. there is more likelihood of a botched job from the on-site worker/ craftsmen. And accountability to fix things up, might be near zero for someone who is not a contractor on your project but an actual daily wager who may not be able to rectify the fault, later if needed.
Can personally vouch for the alleged European hinges, side channels too 'failing' in tropical conditions or with dust deposits and
locally sold hinges too working fine for years.
Replacing hinges does not require that big trouble, so can make do with good quality, local ones too.
Channels on which drawers slide cannot usually be replaced by the average end-users though, so those can be splurged upon.
You yourselves mentioned that the idea of renovating the kitchen too is seeded in your family's mind.
So eventually it might only be a matter if time when a 'just two almirahs' converts into a bigger project, even if staggered over 3 years.
Not in your city and not for monetary or other benefits to them or to me, but if pure genuine guidance or advice is sought
then I can help with the contact details of two genuine people with ample grasp on these things and doing it for their livelihood too, since many years.
I suggest Homelane, 30% disc they give often, prices same all over India. I found their quote 10-20% premium to local and other brands as well but worth it. My project just started, design phase.
Don't go with local carpenters unless you know them personally or through friends, must be reliable because they can cheat in many ways like material price, quality etc its very easy and we will be at their mercy as they keep taking adv payment.
@sharpen if you made payments with credit card, under which category it comes? which card recommended
I bought 3L worth of stuff from IKEA, paid with Amex. Local vendors didn't accept card or even cheque in many cases. Had to pay at least 50% cash and the rest was often UPI to their personal accounts.
Educate yourself to appear more knowledgeable when hiring/use youtube. Seek assistance from experienced individuals like your father, tau, chacha, bada bhai, or a knowledgeable friend for effective negotiation. High charges don't necessarily ensure quality service; be cautious of false promises and avoid blind trust. Request for the portfolio of their workmanship, previous projects, if possible visit the sites they have worked, the timeframe for completion, and clarify payment terms. Consider a postpaid system, providing some material cost upfront but withholding a significant portion until the work is satisfactorily completed.
that's why this post, so that I may get some guidance and rest, I'll eventually have to research a bit anyway
I paid a highly-reviewed modular kitchen store in Mumbai to get my kitchen and wardrobe done. They did it exactly to my requirements and it was all factory finish (properly edge-banded with smooth corners). Kitchen cost 2.5L and wardrobe+loft was another 1L. Could be cheaper if you use laminate instead of acrylic and normal hinges instead of branded soft-closing ones.
I would NOT do anything from a solo carpenter. Find a modular kitchen dealer and let them handle the whole thing. Or just save 50% and buy from IKEA.
I'll go ahead with a skilled carpenter only since it's only about getting 2 wardrobes built.
Obviously with your better half accompanying you.
Not trying to nudge you to ditch your desire of custom built furniture in-lieu of knocked down or completely built options.
But if one is receptive, it surely will broaden the horizon.
That 120 thousand quoted by the carpenter is baloney (utter nonsense), unless s/he assumed the CTC of the two of you being upwards of 5 million.
Actual wood, while long lasting and aesthetically pleasant.. too tends to flaw over time, especially if not seasoned enough.
So everything else is 'non wood'.
Typically MDF is good enough a material.
Colloquially the kaarigars may even call it 'bhoosa' (भूसा) board, but it is not that bad.
Medium Density Fibre boards are sometimes slightly better than conventional 'plywood', depending on application (use case scenario).
I am simply assuming that you have a fair idea of what plywood is. (It too is human made sandwiched, compressed layers of wood derivatives. So not the same as wood.)
The base material can simply have sunmica/formica type thing pasted on top of it for the external look.. so all those variable are in your (umm your better half, kid's, elder's) control.
Pre-lam.. is basically factory machining the top (laminate) layer on to the base board.
It is especially helpful in case of rounded edges.
In MDF and modular (kitchen type) furniture, laminated (top layer machine pasted) surfacing makes things easier to work, but otherwise any sunmica/formica or plain (polished) surface can also be covered on the edges with the regular, cheap https://cnqdeverise.en.made-in-china.com/product/xSdEvmNJgVpc/China-PVC-Edge-Banding-and-Wood-Grain-PVC-Edge-Tape-Banding-for-MDF.html "edge banding".
ALL these materials and basic details from shopkeepers, salespersons can be got by a cursory visit to 'Bohri Ali' market too.
Bohri Ali lane/market in Poona is the off-line equivalent of the 'Home Depot' chain in North America.
Now-a-days the UV treated (UV cured) lamination techniques on the base material give pretty high end/classy looks to even ordinary substrate (underlying material).
But none of this can be done by a solo carpenter, I think.
Established business, even a small startup can be better equipped.. and can take lumpsum or piecemeal contract.
If you choose to visit HomeTown, Viman Nagar, Ekbote furnitures or Bohri Ali.. then you can yourselves check if 'particle board' (as opposed to plywood and MDF) has any major drawbacks or one can use it for outer structure too.
Obviously for inside partitions, particle board is good enough (in my view).
But heavy loads on longer profiles can and do make the plank sag or deteriorate, at times.
In wash areas or in the bottom areas in kitchen or bathrooms, marine ply or marine capable MDF is better suited (in my view) to resist sustained moisture damage.
For fixtures, accessories one has to choose based on personal aesthetics, convenience versus look/show off and if kids/pets are around then it has to idiot proof but also pehalwaan proof.
Soft landing hinges of good make .. last a long time.
Simar the soft closing 'side channels' for drawers too can often survive long enough if debris, moisture or misuse is not impacting them.
But if matured adults are mostly going to use then soft landing hinges, drawer side channels are not a must.
I might be unaware, but most of the newer UV cured laminated boards that I have seen are super glossy and as a result smudged magnets (finger prints, oily stains).
If you have kids, hope you can make it a fun trip to Hometown, Ekbote, Gautier furniture type showrooms.
Actually I do not know if the (French brand) Gautier stores are still there. It did open in the 1990s with tepid response at the time. Had been to the Gautier store near Nal stop, Karve Road. After seeing the prices, we permanently replaced the 'Ga' with 'Ch' in the name Gautier/गॉतिए. (The last letter in French names is often silent.)
Viman Nagar, I'll try, unable to take out time from office these days but thanks again for detailed answer 😇
Which type of material to go for? Marble wordrobe with tiles from inside- For me it cost 1.1 lakhs for 3 marble wordrobe with material and 1.5 lakhs for laminate factory press door fitting. Advantage is if wall leakage marble wordrobe never get affected
Wardrobe should be sliding or non-sliding? - Non sliding(Gives more space)
What should be avoided at all cost?
do take a home loan and get it deducted in ITR
if your income in not taxable then do it under someone in your family whose is
you can always ask for a little more and keep it for your self if the venders are upto it
over invoicing is a common thing
Carpenter Labour cost is around 240-250 rs. Sq. feet in my city (Although it can vary from city to city but 350 rs. looks high to me). U can negotiate or try to get quotation from other carpenter also.